Japan opens Ruan Smith's eyes to new style as he targets Brumbies game time

Returning ACT Brumbies prop Ruan Smith says a stint in Japan has opened his eyes to a new style of rugby but admits he has to manage his work load to ensure he doesn't burn out after back-to-back seasons.

Smith arrived in Canberra on Monday to start a two-year deal with the Brumbies following his Super Rugby off-season campaign with the Toyota Verblitz.

Ruan Smith will monitor his workload to ensure he doesn't burn out this year. Photo: Rohan Thomson

It's set to become a well-worn path, with the ARU introducing flexible contracts to ensure players aren't poached permanently, with Bernard Foley, Israel Folau and Brumbies co-captain Christian Lealiifano all taking up the option.

The risk of the continuous season without a solid training block is that players will burn out eventually.

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But Ruan Smith is driven by his desire for more Brumbies game time and the battle with Ben Alexander, Les Leuluaialii-Makin and Tyrell Lomax for tighthead prop positions.

"For me personally, I think this year is going to be hard. But more mentally," Smith said.